For whatever purpose it may be, planning ahead has always proved to be efficient and positive. It relieves stress, helps acquire better results, and a number of other reasons. Planning ahead is crucial for individuals and organizations alike. The Lebanese Organization for Studies and Training (LOST) has always believed in this concept since its establishment in 1998.
Therefore, on Tuesday, the 6th of March, the first of several all-staff meetings was held at the main branch in Baalback to review the 2018-2020 strategy launching. LOST will focus on five main interventions for the upcoming three years: Promoting Good Governance, Enhancing Livelihood and Economic Capacity, Human Rights, Legal Aid and Justice, and Peace Building and Social Cohesion.
During the meeting, the founder and general manager, Dr. Ramy Lakkis commenced by explaining the first intervention “Promoting Good Governance” and the purpose behind it. Dr. Lakkis started by explaining the relationship between the government and the citizens, and how it ought to be. Clear and suitable criteria must govern the relationship between the two parties; in this case, the criteria is the law. The role of LOST in this relationship has two dimensions: the first dimension is empowering and capacitating local governments in order to be able to provide the citizens with better quality services, which Dr. Lakkis entitled as the “vertical dimension”. The “horizontal dimension” is developing the relationship between the citizens and the public and private institutions. These relations ought to be based on the rights of the citizens, and the duties of institutions when providing services. Furthermore, Dr. Lakkis elaborated that the service the citizen in being provided with is his/her right, and not a favor from the institutions, because it is their duty is to provide the citizens with these services. Both the public and the private sector are to provide the citizens with the services needed, for citizens to maintain the enjoyment of their rights.
Corruption and squandering of assets and its reflection on the relationship of the citizen did not slip out of the mind of Dr. Lakkis. He explained that if the budget is being spent properly and in the correct areas, the government will be able to provide more services with better quality. LOST prides itself primarily for the impact it is exerting on the Baalbeck-Hermel region, and for playing a leading role in lifting this region from the stagnancy of underdevelopment and ignorance to the springs of prosperity and enlightenment. In the accomplishment of this mission, LOST takes advantage of its strengths which it has been developing since its inception in 1997. LOST coordinates sector and inter sector meetings to constantly keep updated and informed about the progress and well-being of operations. LOST also conducts regular meetings with the different UN agencies to maintain a high and updated level of coordination.
Dr. Lakkis concluded by stating that it is our duty as an NGO to fill in the gap left by the government. In addition, Dr. Lakkis urged staff to always stay attentive and alert, to ensure that the services provided by LOST reach the most vulnerable individuals at a maximum efficiency.
